HealthInfo Canterbury
Broken bones first aid
Important!
Call 111 immediately and ask for an ambulance if:
- you suspect someone has a broken neck or back, or an injury to their head. Unless they are in danger, do not move them unnecessarily. Try to keep their head, neck, and spine from moving
- the person is unconscious
- the person is bleeding heavily
- a bone has pierced the person's skin.
How to tell if someone has broken a bone
If someone has broken a bone, they will experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- a snap heard at the time of the injury
- pain
- difficulty moving the affected limb or area – they may not be able to move it at all
- swelling
- bruising
- a visible bone that has broken through the skin
- pins and needles
- a grating noise or feeling when they move.
How to help someone with a broken bone
- Check that they're not losing any blood. If they have an open wound, control the bleeding by applying direct pressure. If the bone is exposed, apply the pressure around the bone, not on top of it.
- If the wound is open, cover it with a sterile dressing, a clean cloth, or a clean piece of clothing.
- Try to make the person comfortable.
- If they have a broken limb, make sure they keep it still.
- Support the injured limb or area with a pillow or folded clothing. The person may be able to support the limb themselves.
- Apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) if available.
- Do not give the person anything to eat or drink as they may need to have surgery.
- Get medical help. If the person doesn't need an ambulance, drive them to your nearest 24-hour surgery or hospital Emergency Department.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. December 2016.
SourceReview key: HIFAD-141030
